Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for this year. It has had many ups and downs but I am thankful for them all for it has brought me here!

And just maybe I like where I am.

Quotes to live by

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus." ~ Frances P. Church

Merry Christmas!

"Unto you is born this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

"And they shall call His name Immanuel which means, God with us." Mathew 1:23

Where ever you are in the world, may God bless you this Christmas day!

Merry Christmas Eve!

In my family we celebrate with extended family on Christmas Eve. May you enjoy this time with your family as well.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful to see family and friends for the holidays. I love the time I am able to share with the people I love the most.

Quotes to live by

"Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives of himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows." ~ Edwin Osgood Grover

I am dreaming

I love the song and the movie "White Christmas". It is one of my favorites. My favorite version is by Bing Crosby.

I was thinking of this song and singing it when I had a beautiful thought, "What do I dream of having?" Just as the song says, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas." What am I dreaming of having for Christmas? I then began to wonder what other people are dreaming of for Christmas.

Then the brilliant idea came of seeing if there was a dream I could help come true for someone. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a positive focus of giving for the holidays rather than the pressure we tend to put ourselves under in order to "make someone happy". The person wouldn't have to know it was me. After all the idea isn't about getting credit, it's simply about doing something out of the spirit of Christmas. The idea of giving unconditionally for the joy it gives to the receiver and not for what one may receive in return.

My church has a giving tree where you can pick cards with requests for items. I choose an item and then wrapped it and returned it to the person in charge. I know that I didn't necessarily help someone's lifelong dream come true but I do feel I gave some peace to the person in need who requested it. I had a great time doing it as well.

What I want for Christmas is for as many of you are willing and able to see if there is something you can give that will in some way uplift, support, strengthen, or heal a heart in need this Christmas season. I know there are only ten days until Christmas but there is no time constraint on when the gift can be given. And remember it's not about money. A great gift or creating a dream doesn't have to cost anything but your love and effort. And if money is what they stand in need of then by all means give. But whether it's money or time, by all means give what you can as much as you can and if your intent is merely to give you will not be disappointed.

A great short read that talks about this very principle is "Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle" by Jason F. Wright.

Enjoy the holidays as they soon approach. May you partake of them in joy rather than wishing them away.

Attitude of Gratitude

Today I am grateful for not being alone in the world. There are many times that even though I am surrounded by people, I feel so alone and lost. I am grateful that those are just momentary experiences in life and that the truth is I am not alone and that there is always someone to turn to. And that someone is usually just the right one I need at the time. I know that their arrival in my life is not by accident but by divine intervention.

Have you noticed the hand of God in your life through the acts of the people around you?

Quotes to live by

"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do." ~ Helen Keller

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for the weather. I love the fall. I love the cool air, the wind in the trees, the rain against the window, and the sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet. This year fall lasted much longer and I had an opportunity to really enjoy one of my favorite times of year.

Now we are heading into the changes that come with winter. The air has grown very cold, the sun is not as bright, and snow is on the horizon. Even though I miss the beach, I do love snow. Snow makes everything look clean and new. It blankets the world in the sound of silence and brings a feeling of peace.

What do you love about this time of year?

Quotes to live by

"Meet your fears with faith." ~ Max Lucado

Born This Way

I am not a big fan of Lady Gaga. However, I am a big believer in truth and being able to find truth any where. I have heard the song "Born that way" several times but it wasn't until recently that I really listened to the words. Even though I don't care for some of her songs, this one hits the mark on teaching a truth that we all need to hear. I am including an edited version of the message I think is inspiring from this song below.


Born This Way by Lady Gaga

My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars

"There's nothing wrong with loving who you are"
She said, "'Cause he made you perfect, babe"
"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth

Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby you were born this way

Same DNA, but I was born this way

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for another December.  The month that we celebrate the birth of Christ. The month that we remeness about the year and all it has brought us.

What has the year brought to you that you can be grateful for?

Quotes to live by

"Fear is the worst thing we can do to ourselves. " - Overcome